Farm Family Harmony Podcast

Elaine Froese
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Get personal with Elaine Froese, Canada's Farm Whisperer, in Farm Family Harmony, where no farm topic is taboo! Whether it's about a Daughter-In-Law feeling left out of the farm family, which sibling gets the family farm, or when it's time to tell Mom and Dad to respectfully retire, Elaine covers the crucial conversations every farm family needs to have.

  1. 61: Overcoming Loneliness on the Farm

    4D AGO

    61: Overcoming Loneliness on the Farm

    In this episode, I sit down with therapist, speaker, and executive coach Carolyn Klassen, who holds a Master's in Marriage, Family, & Child Counselling and an undergrad in Occupational Therapy, for an eye-opening conversation about one of the quietest challenges in rural life: loneliness. Carolyn, founder of Conexus Counselling and creator of The Loneliness Course, shares why loneliness isn't always visible, and how many farm women feel isolated even while surrounded by people and productivity. Together, we unpack the concept of social health and why real connection is just as essential to wellbeing as food, water, and sleep. Carolyn also explains why meaningful connection takes courage, how rural life complicates vulnerability, and why we need to revive the lost art of popping by, picking up the phone, or simply inviting someone in. If you've ever felt unseen in the busyness of farm life or wondered how to help others feel like they belong, this episode will give you the language, tools, and permission to make the first move. "We do not have to hide that we struggle. What we get to decide is who we share that with—so we can have that sense of knowing that we aren't alone in our struggle."             – Carolyn Klassen Resources Mentioned During This Episode The Social Health Checkup Use coupon code FARM for 60% off the Loneliness Course About Our Guest Carolyn Klassen is a seasoned therapist at "Wired for Connection" and the creator of The Loneliness Course. With years of experience supporting individuals through emotional and relational challenges, Carolyn has a deep understanding of how very hard humaning can be. She offers science-backed, heart-forward tools that support healing within a grounded program, bringing together science, compassion, and community wisdom to help people move from isolation to connection. With a heart for belonging and a gift for creating safe, inclusive spaces, Carolyn speaks to our inherent need for one another. Her work reminds us that healing often starts with being present for ourselves and for each other. Contact Carolyn  Visit the Loneliness Course  Follow the Loneliness Course on Facebook  Follow the Loneliness Course on Instagram Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. Visit the podcast website SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - explore Farm Transition Coaching MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here Farm Family Coach Social Media Links Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube TikTok Timestamps 0:00:033 — Introduction and context of the podcast, recognition of listeners. 0:01:37 — Introduction of loneliness as the main topic, Carolyn's work on loneliness. 0:04:07 — Discussion of "social health" and its importance. 0:04:54 — The Harvard Study: quality of relationships and health outcomes. 0:05:30 — The need for meaningful connection, "eight-minute people" and vulnerability. 0:07:00 — "Facebook fine" concept, technology's role, insights from women's conferences. 0:10:30 — Loneliness not as a personal flaw, causes, and validating the feeling. 0:13:14 — Post-COVID isolation and modern communication habits. 0:14:50 — Tools and strategy highlights from the loneliness course and video. 0:17:01 — Unique rural community issues, financial burdens, multigenerational stress, boundaries, and privacy. 0:20:30 — The importance of sharing personal stresses and anxiety in the community. 0:20:57 — Personal anecdotes on dealing with loneliness, sleep apnea, and community support. 0:25:30 — The challenge and vulnerability in reaching out, anecdotes about social outreach. 0:26:26 — Scientific research on connecting with strangers, the benefits of vulnerability, and how to overcome social anxieties. 0:28:36 — Examples of connecting with strangers, benefit of sharing struggles, and the importance of not hiding difficulties.

    52 min
  2. 60: Hug of War: Managing Polarities in Farm Families

    JAN 19

    60: Hug of War: Managing Polarities in Farm Families

    In this episode, I sit down with executive coach and author Cathy Carroll for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about one of the most overlooked challenges in farm families: navigating the tension between love and logic. Cathy, founder of Legacy Onward and author of Hug of War, shares how families can move beyond black-and-white thinking and start seeing conflict not as something to avoid but something to manage. Together, we explore the concept of polarities: two opposing but equally valuable truths, like tradition and innovation, control and trust, or fairness and equality. We talk about why trying to "solve" these tensions often backfires, and how learning to embrace both sides can transform your family's conversations, decisions, and leadership. Cathy also shares tools to help you create healthier dynamics, lead with clarity, and make space for both your heart and your head. If your family feels stuck between generations, mindsets, or values, this episode will give you a powerful new lens—and the language to move forward together. "In a family business, you're not choosing between right or wrong; you're holding two right answers at the same time. The challenge is not to solve the tension, but to manage it so you get the best of both worlds." — Cathy Carroll, MBA, MCC Resources Mentioned During This Episode Free Family Business Polarity Assessment https://www.legacyonward.com/assessment manage common polarities in a family business About Our Guest Cathy learned about family business leadership the best way you can – by leading her family business. After a twenty-year corporate career, she left United Airlines to lead her father's business and instantly recognized a difference between leadership in a family business vs leadership in a large corporation. Founder and President of Legacy Onward, Inc., Cathy Carroll is an internationally recognized family business leadership coach, speaker, and author of "Hug of War: How to Lead a Family Business With both Love and Logic." She also trains advisors serving family enterprises on the fundamentals of polarity thinking. Cathy earned certificates in both Leadership Coaching and Executive Facilitation at Georgetown University, an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and a BA at Boston College. She is also a Master Certified Coach (MCC) in the ICF. An active member of the community, Cathy currently serves as Chair of the Board of the Purposeful Planning Institute and co-founder & Treasurer of A Leg To Stand On. Contact Cathy Visit the Legacy Onward website Follow Cathy on LinkedIn Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. Visit the podcast website SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - explore Farm Transition Coaching MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here Farm Family Coach Social Media Links Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube TikTok Timestamps 0:00:00 — Introduction to the podcast, Cathy Carroll's background, and the purpose of the episode. 0:07:15 — Managing the "equal vs fair" polarity in family business compensation. 0:12:41 — The polarity between business mindset (logic/profit) and family mindset (love/fairness). 0:14:38 — Domain crossover: balancing family and business relationships in decision-making. 0:16:59 — Shadow influencers: how people without formal authority impact family business outcomes. 0:17:54 — Tradition vs. innovation polarity within generational family businesses. 0:22:48 — Emotional vs. Rational polarity in business decisions. 0:24:12 — Reveal vs. Conceal: transparency and privacy in family wealth and information sharing. 0:29:38 — Privileges vs. Responsibilities polarity, and the risks of imbalance. 0:34:09 — Investing in the business vs. harvesting profits for family use. 0:38:33 — Task conflict vs. Relationship conflict and their roles in farm family businesses. 0:42:40 — Family first vs. business first: balancing needs for long-term sustainability. 0:44:48 — How to shift from "either/or" thinking to managing polarities for family business success.

    49 min
  3. 59: Discuss the Undiscussabull™: Tools for Talking About Transition

    JAN 6

    59: Discuss the Undiscussabull™: Tools for Talking About Transition

    Happy New Year, Folks! To kick off 2026, I sit down with Walt Moore, president and general manager of Walmoore Holsteins Inc., a five-generation dairy farm in Pennsylvania. In this candid conversation, we look at the Undiscussable™ issues facing farm and ranch transition —  particularly those surrounding family identity, retirement, and growth. Walt shares his family's journey, including the 18-month planning process, the role of outside advisors (like their specialized financial guide), and how they navigated a complex blended family structure to bring in the fifth generation. We learn about their family's strategy of "stepping back without stepping away," managing non-farm heirs, dealing with issues of housing and debt capacity, and the critical importance of financial transparency for legacy success. Walt's insights reveal positive conflict behaviors and the power of peer support groups. This episode is packed with essential tools and motivation for any farm family looking to find harmony through understanding and proactively plan for their future. "You've got to communicate — don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't feel like you're on an island. I'm in a couple of your groups, and you realize really quickly that we're in the same trenches. When [you're in] a good group that's transparent with each other and willing to help each other, that's hard to beat." - Walt Moore, president of Walmoore Holsteins Inc. About Our Guest Walt is President and General Manager of Walmoore Holsteins, Inc. The family farm has been in operation for over 116 years and 5 generations. Walt is in partnership with his wife, Ellen, and three 5th-generation partners - Luke, Andrew, and Chase. Walmoore Holsteins, Inc. milks 1150 cows with a 32,000-pound herd average, raises 900-plus replacement young stock, 150 Wagyu crosses, farms 2000 acres of corn for silage and grain, alfalfa, soy beans, triticale, and grass hay.  Walmoore employs 17 full-time and several part-time people. Walt is also the General Partner of Moore Family Farm LP, which was formed as a land holding company. Additionally, Walt and Ellen, with partners Duane and Marilyn Hershey, started Moocho Milk Transportation Inc. in 2006 to haul their own milk.  Walt and Ellen, along with their son Jake and his wife, own Moore Meats LLC, a premium American Wagyu farm-to-fork meat company. Walt has traveled to other states and China, helping to educate producers on Best Management Practices. He serves on several committees, including the Chester County Conservation District Board, London Grove Friends Finance Committee, Land-O-Lakes Master Focus Group, and the American Dairy Coalition, currently serving as President. Walt has also served on the Horizon Farm Credit Customer Advisory Board and on the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation Board, serving as President for two years. He has served on the PDMP board as the Vice-President and President. In his leisure time, Walt enjoys spending time with his family, attending PSU football games, hunting, boating, and traveling. Contact Walt Contact Walmoore Holsteins, Inc. Follow Walmoore Holsteins, Inc. on Facebook Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. Visit the podcast website SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - explore Farm Transition Coaching MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here Farm Family Coach Social Media Links Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube TikTok Timestamps 0:00:00 - Introduction, Podcast, Guest Welcome, Purpose of Episode 0:00:43 - Guest Bio: Walter Moore, Family Farm Overview, Dairy Operations 0:04:40 - Discussing Transition, Generational Change, Retirement and Successor Dynamics 0:10:00 - Legacy Goals, Financial Planning for Next Generation, Advisors' Role 0:13:25 - Housing for Family and Employees, Family Member Roles 0:16:41 - Fairness, Family Compensation, Involvement of Blended Family and Non-family Employees 0:21:04 - Operational vs. Strategic Management, Corporate Meetings, Vertical Integration (Milk Transport Business) 0:25:00 - Financial Transparency, Budgeting, Planning for the Future 0:29:03 - Overcoming Procrastination, Learning from Previous Generations, Will and Estate Updating 0:32:45 - Risk Management, Divorce, Relationship Dynamics, Inter-spousal Agreements 0:36:34 - Conflict Management, Importance of Communication, Peer Groups and Networking 0:38:10 - Final Takeaways and Advice: Passion, Teamwork, Continuous Learning

    42 min
  4. 58: Tools to Align Visions When Spouse or Siblings Disagree

    12/23/2025

    58: Tools to Align Visions When Spouse or Siblings Disagree

    In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Hegedus, Certified Financial Planner and founding partner of PWM Private Wealth Counsel, for a practical conversation about how to align vision with siblings and/or spouses when there's lots of disagreement. Kevin brings years of experience helping farm owners and families sort through the financial intricacies and reach retirement confidently. Together, we explore misalignment between spouses' vision for retirement and transition timing, and the value of early planning and using tools for transition. We discuss the 3 key farm transition snapshot points; the difference between equal vs. fair inheritance; and the importance of family meetings, celebrations, and communication. Kevin also brings valuable insight into contingency planning and long-term care for aging farmers. If you or someone you know is struggling to find alignment with their farm spouse or siblings, this episode is for you. "It boils down to having those early [planning] conversations. None of us are going to be here forever, so how do we make sure that what we worked so hard for transfers to the next generation properly." - Kevin Hegedus, PWM Private Wealth Counsel Resources Mentioned During This Episode PWM Private Wealth website: https://www.pwmprivatewealth.com financial planning, retirement, and succession resources Money Sense Radio Show: https://www.pwmprivatewealth.com/radio weekly insights on planning, tax, and retirement About Our Guest Kevin Hegedus is the Founder and Managing Partner of PWM Private Wealth Counsel in Saskatchewan. A Certified Financial Planner and Registered Portfolio Manager, Kevin has more than 25 years of experience guiding families, business owners, and farm operators through complex financial decisions. He specializes in connecting investment, tax, and estate planning strategies to help clients achieve clarity and confidence. Kevin is also the long-time host of the Money Sense radio show and a regular speaker on topics such as retirement income planning, succession, and intergenerational wealth. Contact Kevin Visit PWM Private Wealth Counsel's Website Follow Kevin on LinkedIn Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. Visit the podcast website SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - explore Farm Transition Coaching MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here Farm Family Coach Social Media Links Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube TikTok Timestamps 0:00:36 — Introduction & purpose of the podcast (alignment in farm family vision). 0:03:18 — Identity and challenges of farm business owners. 0:04:26 — Misalignment between spouses' vision for retirement and transition timing. 0:06:57 — Three key farm transition snapshot points: income streams, housing, fairness. 0:08:36 — Scenarios for retiree income and transition, selling equipment, rental of land. 0:12:58 — Financial transparency, farm women, and discovering hidden wealth. 0:13:49 — Managing sibling disagreement and succession, splitting the farm. 0:16:53 — Equal vs. fair inheritance, the role of insurance for fairness. 0:19:01 — The value of early planning and tools for transition. 0:21:26 — Building personal wealth, tax-free savings, and retirement income. 0:23:22 — Fee structure for financial advisors and value proposition. 0:25:08 — Historical reasons for tax avoidance mentality in farming. 0:27:25 — Income-splitting, tax strategies for retirement, the importance of financial planning. 0:29:57 — Income challenges for the next generation of farmers, debt options. 0:32:05 — Open family discussions for smoother transition and succession. 0:34:18 — The importance of family meetings, celebrations, and communication. 0:35:33 — Contingency planning for aging farmers and long-term care. 0:36:39 — Advocating for women's roles in planning and independence. 0:37:53 — The "poison pill" in farm succession and legal protections. 0:39:43 — Final advice: have open conversations about future planning, income, and fairness.

    41 min
  5. 57: How to Give Family Workers Performance Feedback

    12/09/2025

    57: How to Give Family Workers Performance Feedback

    In this episode, I sit down with Lyndsay Seafoot, Human Resources Specialist and owner of Curbridge Consulting, for a practical conversation about one of the toughest dynamics on family farms: how to give performance feedback to family members. Lindsay brings years of experience helping farm businesses create clarity around roles, job descriptions, and communication. Together, we explore why giving feedback to employees often feels easier than giving it to your own relatives, and how to change that. We discuss how clear expectations, structured check-ins, and respectful communication can help farm families move from frustration to alignment. Lindsay also shares actionable tools for creating a more professional workplace culture without losing the warmth of family. If you've ever struggled to balance accountability with compassion, or wondered how to have honest conversations that don't end in conflict, this episode will show you how feedback — when done right — can strengthen both your team and your relationships. Resources mentioned on this episode Access the folder of resources About Our Guest Lyndsay Seafoot is the founder of Curbridge, Stand Out Staff, and Directors Desk, all of which are companies focused on building expert-level HR for companies and organizations. Lyndsay started in entrepreneurship in her 20s but has been focused on building and growing her HR companies since 2020. Lyndsay has a CPHR designation, and with her 14 years of experience in the field, she has worked with companies across the prairies to develop strong HR foundations that allow companies to grow, hire better, retain more, and get some peace of mind when it comes to employees and managing them. Contact Lyndsay Visit Lyndsay's website Follow Lyndsay on Instagram @curbridge.hr @curbridge @lyndsayseafoot Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube Visit the podcast website SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach MEMBERSHIP - become a Farm Family Transition Member FREE STUFF - downloadable tools for your farm transition CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition  BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here Farm Family Coach Social Media Links Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube tiktok Timestamps 0:00:33 Introduction and guest welcome; Lyndsay's HR expertise. 0:01:35 Defining frameworks and the need for HR foundations on farms. 0:03:00 Feedback challenges in farm families and key performance feedback questions. 0:04:34 Defining performance feedback: types (real-time vs. formal). 0:05:50 Communication issues and useful vs. unhelpful language for feedback. 0:10:11 When to give performance feedback and why it is often avoided in farm families. 0:14:33 How younger generations can seek effective feedback and build common ground. 0:18:33 Technology for farm procedure clarity; importance of face-to-face feedback. 0:20:15 How farm spouses/partners can encourage feedback initiation. 0:23:47 The cost of lacking feedback: retention, engagement, and the farm's reputation. 0:29:20 Leadership's role in scheduling and prioritizing feedback meetings. 0:32:47 Addressing the "not my job" mindset and fostering the right farm culture. 0:36:57 Accountability for improvement; holding family members to professional standards. 0:40:03 Key takeaways: respect, common ground, and choosing your response.

    42 min
  6. 56: How to Take More Control Over Your Future

    11/25/2025

    56: How to Take More Control Over Your Future

    In this episode, I talk about what it really means to take back control of your future, especially if you're feeling stuck, micromanaged, or unheard in your family farm transition. I explore why so many farmers find themselves frustrated and uncertain, waiting for others to make decisions that deeply affect their future. From micromanaging parents to unspoken fears about letting go, I unpack the root causes of these tensions and the mindset shifts needed to move forward. I also share how curiosity, courage, and communication can turn conflict into clarity, and why it's time to stop accepting bad behavior, start setting boundaries, and make this winter the season you finally take action. If you've ever thought, "Things can't keep going like this," this episode will help you see that progress starts with you — one honest conversation, one clear boundary, and one next step at a time. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist RESOURCES - download for FREE CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition  BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches Timestamps 0:00:30 - Introduction and discussion about harvest season and Christmas 0:08:09 - Addressing micromanagement and family dynamics in farming 0:16:53 - Strategies for having difficult conversations and planning for the future 0:19:01 - Urgency of making changes and managing time effectively

    25 min
  7. 55: Who Can the Farm Support Financially?

    11/11/2025

    55: Who Can the Farm Support Financially?

    In this episode, I sit down with Amber Meyer, Certified Financial Planner with TruStone Wealth Management, for an eye-opening conversation about how financial realities and family expectations shape the success (or the struggle) of farm transitions. Amber brings years of firsthand experience helping multigenerational farm families align money, mindset, and legacy. Together, we explore the biggest hurdles keeping families from "getting to the table," from unspoken assumptions and generational gaps to the tough math of cash flow, living expenses, and retirement readiness. Amber explains why clear communication, realistic asset valuations, and early planning are essential to keeping both the business and the family intact. We also talk about creative ways to make transitions viable—from custom work and diversified income streams to using tools like trusts and lifetime transfers to balance fairness with financial sense. If you've ever wondered how to start these conversations or how to keep them from derailing, this episode will help you see that peace and profitability can go hand in hand when families commit to transparency, teamwork, and communication. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com Discover more about our guest: Amber Meyer, CFP APMA Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist RESOURCES - download for FREE CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition  BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches Timestamps 0:01:55 - Amber's background growing up on a farm in North Dakota 0:04:34 - Discussion of generational gaps in farming 0:08:34 - Financial inventory and assessing farm viability 0:11:53 - Advice on saving and investing for young farmers 0:17:06 - Importance of wills and estate planning 0:21:37 - Setting realistic land and asset valuations 0:24:04 - Fee structure for financial advisors 0:28:58 - Who typically drives the farm transition process 0:33:56 - Key advice: Communicate, communicate, communicate

    36 min
  8. 54: Financial Wisdom for Young Farmers

    10/28/2025

    54: Financial Wisdom for Young Farmers

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David M. Kohl, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management, for a conversation about what it really takes for young farmers to build strong, lasting farm businesses. We discuss why transition is not just a handoff but a transformative process that requires transparency, honest financial assessments, and the courage to face tough realities head-on.  Dr. Kohl explains why starting with a clear resource assessment matters, how cash flow planning shapes long-term success, and why written goals act as a compass when the road gets messy.  This episode offers young farmers, founders, and successors alike practical wisdom, fresh perspective, and encouragement to move from uncertainty to clarity — and to see transition not as a burden, but as an opportunity to strengthen both the farm and the family behind it. Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com. Discover more about our guest: Dr. David M. Kohl Elaine Froese Resources: Watch this episode on YouTube. SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist RESOURCES - download for FREE CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition  BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches Timestamps 0:04:40 - Discussion on farm succession 0:05:30 - Resource assessment for family business transition 0:06:55 - Importance of understanding true profitability through accrual adjustments 0:11:24 - Advice on debt servicing and working with lenders 0:14:59 - Land buying strategies for young farmers 0:18:29 - Importance of goal setting and using a facilitator 0:22:16 - Skill assessment and developing mini business plans 0:24:17 - Warren Buffett's advice on behavioral success 0:28:35 - Discussing family living arrangements and budgets 0:33:08 - The five key points for successful farm transition

    41 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Get personal with Elaine Froese, Canada's Farm Whisperer, in Farm Family Harmony, where no farm topic is taboo! Whether it's about a Daughter-In-Law feeling left out of the farm family, which sibling gets the family farm, or when it's time to tell Mom and Dad to respectfully retire, Elaine covers the crucial conversations every farm family needs to have.

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